Daily Archive : Thursday August 2, 2012

News

Northwest suburban police blotter By Freida GadBurglars stole 30 used engines worth an estimated $15,000 out of an unlocked shed after cutting a padlock on a fenced storage yard at Leo and Joes Auto Repair, 301 Industrial Lane, Wheeling, between 5 p.m. July 28 and 8 a.m. July 30.

Streamwood Health Center to serve underinsuredBy Eric PetersonThe Streamwood Community Health Center opening today brings health care and dental services to uninsured and underinsured residents who previously traveled significantly westward for them. The new location at 135 E. Irving Park Road is the latest one of the Greater Elgin Family Care Center, which in just 11 years has grown to serve 28,000 people from 276 different ZIP codes, President and CEO Bob...

Could you beat Mayor Johnson at Tour of Elk Grove?
By Madhu KrishnamurthyElk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson set the pace Friday, and the 2012 Tour of Elk Grove was off. The mayor, a serious amateur rider, did the 4.5-mile circuit in an impressive 12 minutes, 1 second, and then dared 47 challengers to beat that. Twenty-nine did, and Johnson will be donating $500 to the Soldiers Memorial Fund. "Even though it's for fun, it's still better when you perform better," Johnson...

Lombard boy back home and having fun after heart transplant
By Marie WilsonAt 5 years old and a month removed from a heart transplant, Tim Grobart's days are filled with running around the house, building Legos or playfully battling his 8-year-old brother, Lou, with plastic light sabers and toy guns.A week after Tim left the hospital, his father says the childhood chaos and sibling warfare waging at the family's Lomard home is "blissful" compared with the past couple...

Wildlife officials caution: 'Turtle Crossing' this summerBy Jennifer EarlThe summer's drought has led turtles living in Lake County's Cuba Marsh to cross the road to get to the other side, where water is a little more plentiful. Many, however, are not surviving the crossing, and the ones that do are causing problems for drivers. So two Lake County agencies have teamed up to place signs reading "Caution Turtle Crossing" along the road.

One dead, three dozen hurt in Megabus crashAssociated PressA packed double-decker Megabus slammed into an Illinois interstate bridge support pillar Thursday, hurtling screaming passengers from their seats and leaving at least one person dead and more than three dozen injured, officials said. "There was a lot of screaming and crying," said passenger Baysha Collins. "There was blood everywhere. I was just in shock."

At McHenry Fair, goats and owners udderly identicalBy Hailey CzarneckiOne of the more unusual attractions at the McHenry County Fair Thursday was a costume contest in which goat owners dressed up and gave their goats a complementary makeover. The winner painted spots on her goat and gave it a couple extra udders with pink balloons to mimic a dairy cow to go along with her farmer outfit. Owners and goats dressed as pairs to compete. Jordann Bauer won with a dairy...

FBI joins probe of DuPage forest district contracts By Andrew Schroedter and Elisabeth MistrettaThe FBI has joined an investigation into allegations that DuPage County Forest Preserve District contracts were steered to a Chicago-based technology firm, benefiting two former district employees. The DuPage County State's Attorney's office has been looking into the matter for months. Also, the retired forest preserve director was given a $51,000 severance bonus, the Better Government...

Annan quits as Syrian envoy, blames lack of unity
Associated PressKofi Annan announced his resignation Thursday as peace envoy to Syria and issued a blistering critique of world powers, bringing to a dramatic end a frustrating six-month effort that failed to achieve even a temporary cease-fire as the country plunged into civil war.

FAA: 3 jets over DC never on collision course
Associated PressWASHINGTON — None of the commuter jets that flew too close together near Washington on Tuesday was ever on course to collide head-on with the others, federal officials said Thursday.During a news conference, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood strongly disputed media reports characterizing what happened near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as a near-miss.

Baseball cards found in attic hit a home run at auction
Associated PressThe discovery of century-old baseball cards in an Ohio attic isn't going to make anyone super-rich even though it's being called one of the most exciting finds in the history of sports card collecting. That's because the cards and the money are being evenly divided among 20 cousins.

Chick-fil-A sets 1-day sales record amid flap
Associated PressChick-fil-A set a one-day sales record on Wednesday amid an ongoing controversy over a company executive's public stance against same-sex marriage, company officials said Thursday.

More than 1,000 competing in ‘masters’ track meet in Lisle By Katlyn SmithRuth Welding spun three times before unleashing an explosive hammer throw.Seeing the Elk Grove Village woman's chiseled physique from a distance, nobody could be surprised she's a reigning world champion in her age group. But then after one throw, her hat flew off and revealed a crown of silver hair. Suddenly her accomplishments somehow seemed even more impressive: she's 56.

Police report
George Martinez, 21, previously of the 800 block of Parkway Avenue in Elgin, appeared in bond court Thursday morning on charges of first degree murder in a 2008 case for which he was extradited from Mexico Wednesday. Bail was set at $2 million after the gang-related shooting that killed 16-year-old Jaime Benitez and injured a second man on Halloween in 2008, according to police. Martinez was an...

O’Hare terminal reopened after probe of suspicious item
By Josh StockingerA terminal at O'Hare International Airport was closed to passengers for about two hours Thursday because of a suspicious item, officials said. Canines with the Transportation Security Administration alerted authorities to the item about 2 p.m., prompting officials to set up a saftey perimeter and close upper-level entry doors and security checkpoints at Terminal 2, according to the TSA and the...

Chase by Des Plaines woman ends in arrest
By Freida GadA Des Plaines woman who saw another Des Plaines woman stealing her lawn mower engaged in a vehicle chase while calling 911, resulting in an arrest, according to police reports.

Deaf Schaumburg girl sues Girl ScoutsBy Eric PetersonA deaf, former Girl Scout from Schaumburg and her mother have filed a federal lawsuit claiming the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana first withdrew the services of a sign language interpreter and later — when the family insisted on one — disbanded the girl's troop altogether.

Ann Romney ‘thrilled to death’ by horse’s test
Associated PressAnn Romney said Thursday that Rafalca "thrilled me to death" with a solid performance at her Olympic debut in dressage — an ancient equestrian sport now seen as the province of the wealthy 1 percent that has been thrust into the political spotlight thanks to Romney's partial ownership in the horse.

Grand marshall of Lindenhurst parade announced
Daily Herald ReportVeteran Bill Isaacson will serve as grand marshall for this year's superhero-themed Lindenfest Parade, taking place at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 11. The parade will step off from Rolling Ridge and Beck Road, heading south on Beck, turning right on Sand Lake Road, passing the Lindenfest grounds and ending at Valley Drive.

Judge chides prosecutors but allows Peterson trial to continue
Associated PressA judge said he believed Drew Peterson could receive a fair trial in his murder case on Thursday, but not before chiding prosecutors for entering inadmissible evidence and even criticizing them in front of jurors. Testimony resumed with paramedics and a locksmith shortly after the in-court legal drama that came close to ending the high-profile trial before it had barely begun.

Registration open for Hoffman Estates police explorer program
Submitted by the Village of Hoffman EstatesThe Hoffman Estates Police Department is recruiting for new police explorer cadets. A police explorer is between 14 and 20 years old, maintains a good GPA in school, is willing to volunteer at police explorer events and exemplifies the highest standards of the Hoffman Estates Police Department.

Homeowner running out of time to finish 37-year-old plan
By Harry HitzemanA Kane County judge Thursday ordered a St. Charles homeowner, who has had a home addition and construction project languishing since 1975, to stay away from workers at the site and not meddle in a roof project. St. Charles city officials sued Clifford McIlvaine in late 2010 to inspect an addition to his home in the 600 block of Prairie Street.

Mold reappears at St. Charles East campus
By James FullerSt. Charles School District 303 officials announced that mold has been discovered in the wall of a racquetball court at the Norris Recreation Center. The rec center/cultural arts center is connected to St. Charles East High School, the site of a major mold problem in 2001.

Punjabi Sports Festival returns to PalatineDaily Herald reportAfter several years of moving around, the Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago is bringing back a scaled-down, indoor version of its Punjabi Sports Festival home to Palatine on Aug. 4. "The festival is an opportunity to promote healthy living while also unifying the community," spokesman Rajinder Mago said.

Record year for tourism in Lake County
Daily Herald reportVisitor spending in Lake County set a record in 2011 at $1.13 billion, according to figures released this week by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, office of tourism. The amount is nearly 7 percent higher than 2010.

Elgin iFest planning wrapping up with one month to go
By Tara García MathewsonDowntown Elgin will take on the flavor of a Brazilian Carnival Sept. 1 as the International Festival kick-off parade travels east on Chicago Street and south on Spring Street to the inaugural event at Festival Park. Various cultural groups will dance and play music along the parade route then perform or sell food and other items during the festival. A Kidz Zone will provide daylong activities for...

Teen charged with DUI after crashing car into Naperville home
By Lee FilasA 17-year-old has been charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol after driving his car into a house in Naperville. Joseph Wheeler, of the 300 block of Prairie Knoll Drive in Naperville, also was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident following the 9:32 p.m. Monday crash on the 400 block of Robin Hill Drive, said police Sgt. Gregg Bell.

West misconduct case officially closed
By Harry HitzemanThe book was officially closed on the criminal misconduct case against former Kane County Coroner Chuck West on Thursday as prosecutors dismissed the charges. West died July 4 after complications from a liver transplant; he had faced anywhere from probation to five years in prison on felony misconduct charges that he allowed a television to be stolen from the home of a deceased Carpentersville...

Lake Villa Township, fire district breaking ground on new station
By Taylor GoldensteinLake Villa Township and Fire Protection District officials are inviting the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for a fourth fire station, this one in the western part of the township. The new facility is being built on township land adjacent to its western campus facility on Route 59. The township last year agreed to donate the property to the fire protection district for a new station.

Prospect Heights woman assaulted by con man
By Freida GadA 65-year-old Prospect Heights woman was assaulted by a man when she denied his claim that something was wrong with her sewer, according to police reports. Her 70-year-old husband chased the man.

Des Plaines man convicted of murder
Daily Herald staff reportA Des Plaines man was convicted on July 19 for the murder of a 15-year-old boy on Chicago's far north side. James Galambos, 20, of the 900 block of Beau Drive was convicted of murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in a July 2011 shooting. Sergio Torrez was killed and another teen was injured during the shooting.

Lawsuit takes aim at prison closures
Associated PressInmates at the high-security Tamms prison "have a history of assaulting staff, preying on other inmates" and should not be shipped to other Illinois correctional facilities ill-prepared to handle them, a lawsuit filed Thursday claims in seeking to halt to Gov. Pat Quinn's prison closures.

Former Cook official charged in kickback scheme
By Jake GriffinA former Cook County official is arrested on federal fraud and corruption charges Thursday. Eugene Mullins, 48, of Chicago, is accused of steering county contracts to four other defendants who then allegedly kicked back some of the funds to Mullins. Mullins faces 20 years in prison if convicted.

20% pay hike for Wauconda Twp. supervisor draws fire
By Jennifer EarlA move to raise the Wauconda Township supervisor's salary by more than 20 percent next year is drawing fire from other township officials and residents who say it's inappropriate given the state of the economy and small raises for others. The township board, including current Supervisor Glenn Swanson, voted 3-1 last month in favor of the pay raise, which would increase the position's salary from...

Prospect Heights brings in outside firm to look at water rates
By David ConwayProspect Heights will be investigating its water rates, historically a source of contention within the city. The city council agreed to hire an engineering consulting firm to look into the water system, the expenses of which outweigh the revenue it generates, according to city Engineer Jim Johnson.

What IMSA quiz bowl champions had to know By Kimberly Pohl and Elena FerrarinIt takes hours and hours of study, research, memorization and investigation to shine at quiz bowl, said Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy graduates Webster Guan, 18, of Lisle and Eric Ordonez, 17, of Aurora. They served as co-captains of IMSA's quiz bowl team, crowned state champion in 2011 and 2012 and placing fourth nationally. "We study-binged during the summer, especially," Webster...

Tour of Elk Grove on without the disabled veterans' race By Madhu KrishnamurthyThis weekend's Tour of Elk Grove will not feature the adaptive athlete and disabled veteran race, which debuted last year. Organizers say they didn't have enough athletes for the various categories of disabled races even with a $10,000 purse as incentive. They plan to have the race in 2013. “The levels of disability for the races were difficult to fill with athletes,” said...

Owners shocked as Catlow theater reaches $100,000 goal in 7 days
By Eric PetersonThe owners of The Catlow theater in Barrington weren't sure 60 days would be enough to raise the $100,000 needed to allow the 85-year-old landmark to survive Hollywood's pending transition from distributing movies on film to digital hard drives only. But as it turned out, not even entire week was needed. At 11:40 a.m. Thursday, $100,294 was raised through the combined pledges of 780 backers...

DuPage Election Commission keeps PR firm — for now
By Robert SanchezThe DuPage County Election Commission will keep its public relations firm until the end of the November election. Beyond that, it's unclear if the agency will need to have a paid spokesperson

Tri-Cities police reports
Susan M. Basham, 59, of the 1400 block of South 12th Street, St. Charles, was charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and improper lane use at about 12:24 p.m. July 26 after police were called because she was driving her Cadillac Escalade near Keslinger and Brundige roads near Geneva with a flat tire, according to a sheriff's report. She told a deputy she hit a...

Fermilab director will stay on one more year
By Harry HitzemanFermilab announced Thursday that Director Pier Oddone has decided to retire after eight years at the helm of America's leading particle physics laboratory. Oddone will continue to serve as Fermilab director until July 1, 2013.

Round Lake High suddenly needs new principal
By Bob SusnjaraWith classes about two weeks away from starting, Round Lake High School suddenly needs a new principal. Kurt Sinclair is leaving Round Lake Unit District 116 for a high school principal's job in Kenosha, Wis.

St. Charles burglar gets 10 years in prison
By Josh StockingerA St. Charles man has been sentenced to a decade in prison for burglarizing an Elmhurst dry cleaner last year, police said Thursday. Richard Jones, 51, will serve the sentence concurrent to a 10-year term he received in Cook County court for a similar burglary, according to court records.

Transparency audit finds 9 DuPage government bodies lacking
By Justin KmitchLogging in to find information about your local taxing body could be more difficult than it needs to be for some DuPage County residents, according to the Illinois Policy Institute. Only 13 of 22 local governments received passing grades during latest round of online transparency audits conducted by the watchdog agency, called the "Local Transparency Project."

Cantigny's Dog Days offers woofs and more for animal loversBy Katlyn SmithPoco Chico is a Chihuahua with a pretty impressive wardrobe. There's the Elvis costume. A velvet cape and crown for another kind of king. And some gear just for his strides in a Fourth of July parade. It's all part of his role as an ambassador of sorts for the Hinsdale Humane Society, one of dozens of organizations that will set up booths Saturday at the annual Dog Days event at Cantigny Park in...

Taste of Roselle is all about food and friends By Sara HookerIf you wander through downtown Roselle this weekend and don't run into any familiar faces, there's always the food and live entertainment to fall back on. The 31st annual Taste of Roselle runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 3-5, on Main Street between Roselle Road and Howard Street. "In some ways it's a mini-reunion for people," said Cindy Schramm, a member of the Taste of Roselle Commission.

World of Faeries Festival a magical weekend By Hailey CzarneckiA weekend escape to a fantasy world full of pirates and faeries can be had Saturday and Sunday in South Elgin when the World of Faeries Festival flies back to Vasa Park to celebrate its eighth year. "We tell people to leave their grown-up at home," festival coordinator Gloria Yaeger said.

Saudi judo fighter prepares for battle
Associated PressA teenage Saudi judo fighter will fight in a modified hijab under a deal worked out between Olympic officials, the international judo federation, and Saudi authorities.

Putin, a black belt, watches Olympic judoAssociated PressHe clenched his fists at times, leaned back nervously at others. And when his compatriots won Olympic gold, he leaped from his seat and thrust his arms skyward. A common fan reaction — from an uncommon fan: Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Houston uses video to teach how to handle shooting
Associated PressOminous music plays as a man in dark clothing, sunglasses and a backpack walks toward people working in a high-rise building. The narrator's voice warns: "It may feel like just another day at the office, but occasionally life feels more like an action movie."

Carol Stream library considering firms for director search
By Christopher PlacekThe Carol Stream Public Library board is set to pick from two search firms to help find a new library director. Either firm, once selected, is also expected to recommend candidates for interim director. The board on Wednesday held off hiring either consultant — Alice Calabrese Berry or Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates — until representatives make a formal presentation to...

Des Plaines man dies during college soccer practice
By Jessica CilellaA Robert Morris University student collapsed and died during a soccer practice Wednesday evening, according to a university official. Jesus Lupian, 19, of Des Plaines collapsed around 6:18 p.m. while playing soccer at a University of Illinois in Chicago field in the 1800 block of West Roosevelt Road that is rented by Robert Morris University, officials said.

Tour of Elk Grove bike race kicks off FridayDaily Herald reportWorld-class racers, serious amateurs and recreational riders are converging on Elk Grove Village Friday-Sunday, Aug. 3-5, for the seventh running of the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove.This year's event will feature world-class cyclists, a three-stage professional men's and women's race, a children's Big Wheel race, and the Village Trustees' Fun Ride, among many other events. New this year,...

National Pro Fastpitch championship coming to Rosemont
Submitted by National Pro FastpitchIn August, Rosemont will be bustling with the nation's top professional women's softball teams for the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Championship Series to be held Aug. 23-26 at the Ballpark at Rosemont. "The Village of Rosemont is honored to host this showcase of world-class women's athletics in our brand new stadium, which was specifically designed for women's fastpitch softball," said...

Grayslake charter school might shun soup label fundraisers
By Bob SusnjaraTaking a cue from the controversial Center for Science in the Public Interest, Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake is considering a policy that could eliminate label redemption fundraisers with Campbell Soup Co. and other businesses. Children from within the boundaries of Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50 and Fremont Elementary District 79 near Mundelein are eligible to attend...

Spectator guideThis guide is all you need to help you with parking and viewing at the tour.

Politicians get public defender in corruption caseAssociated PressA former Chicago alderman and a Cook County commissioner facing corruption charges say they have fallen on hard times and can't pay for their legal defense.Former Alderman Ambrosio Medrano and former Cook County commissioner Joseph Moreno were arrested in June and charged with accepting bribes and kickbacks in a scheme to sell bandages to hospitals.

Kane County agrees to tech upgrade funding plan By James FullerKane County Board members generally agreed with a plan developed by a special committee to fund some of the costs associated with a $12.6 million technology upgrade for the local courts.

Report: Drought intensifies in Plains states
Associated PressST. LOUIS — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor survey shows an increase in extreme drought conditions in four Plains states but a slight decrease in the overall area of the lower 48 states experiencing some form of drought.

French town famed for extreme sports bans wingsuit
Associated PressPARIS — The French town of Chamonix, deep in the shadow of Mont Blanc, has always embraced danger.Climbers scale Europe’s highest peak in dire conditions. Backcountry skiers risk avalanches or falling off cliffs.

Amorous bull damages Ark. deputy’s patrol car
Associated PressSHERWOOD, Ark. — A bull in the mood for love damaged an Arkansas sheriff’s patrol car when it tried to mount a man who was leading the animal across a yard.Authorities said Wednesday that a Faulkner County sheriff’s deputy was responding to a call about a bull running loose when he saw the man slapping and trying to guide the bull.

Report: Psychiatrist tried to discuss Holmes
Associated PressDENVER — A University of Colorado psychiatrist whose clients included the former student accused of the Aurora theater shooting reportedly tried to discuss the man with members of a campus behavioral and security committee about a month before the attack, but the group never convened.

Calif. professor’s email reveals shooting plot
Associated PressSANTA ANA, Calif. — Rainer Reinscheid was into his second bottle of wine when he wrote a chilling email titled, “a good plan,” detailing violent revenge on the people he blamed for his teen son’s suicide.

Illinoisan built 1984 Olympic torch
Not many people can say they have built an item that is an internationally recognized symbol of sports. Abed Zantout can. When he was a product engineer for the now-defunct Sycamore-based Turner Industries, Zantout was one of two engineers who designed and built the Olympic Torch for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Walker to speak to Wisconsin group that denies warming
Associated PressWisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to speak next week at a prominent think tank that denies the existence of man-made global warming.Walker is scheduled to appear Aug. 9 at the Chicago-based Heartland Institute. His keynote speech is part of a dinner celebrating Heartland's 28th anniversary.

Wis. woman convicted of using fake ID to get loans
Associated PressFederal prosecutors in Wisconsin say a Milwaukee woman has been convicted of creating a false identity so she could exceed loan limits for graduate school. Online court records say 43-year-old Shurone Y. Goodlow pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return. She faces a maximum penalty of 23 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Illinois sees increase in whooping cough cases
Associated PressIllinois health officials are calling attention to an increase in whooping cough cases this year as they remind parents about required immunizations for children.Approximately 1,200 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Illinois so far this year. That's compared to 468 cases reported as of Aug. 1 last year.

Suburban Olympians today: Men’s volleyball, men’s hoops Daily Herald staff reportSuburban Chicago Olympians were in the news Wednesday and two of them will be in the spotlight Thursday. Among the highlights: Melissa Seidemann of Hoffman Estates scored for the U.S. women's water polo team; and Itasca's Sara Zelenka just missed a medal in women's pairs rowing.

Twins shut out Red Sox
Associated PressMinnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire can put up with Samuel Deduno's wildness as long as the starter keeps limiting opponents to just two hits. Deduno (3-0) walked four and struck out one in six innings before two relievers combined for three perfect innings against the Red Sox.

Nationals defeat Phillies 3-0
Associated PressJason Werth returned to the lineup Thursday night and had a single and an RBI groundout in the Nationals' 3-0 win over Cole Hamels and the Phillies.

Wheaton leads Northbrook 11-3 in suspended game
By Marty MaciaszekWheaton's bats were booming Thursday at the American Legion state baseball tournament when lightning and a thunderstorm came rolling into Mattoon.A heavy downpour forced a suspension of play as Wheaton (30-10) was about to hit in the top of the eighth inning with an 11-3 lead on Northbrook (43-8) at Grimes Field. A decision will be made early this morning on when they will resume play, but Wheaton coach Jerry Miller thought it would be around 10 a.m.

Peyton Manning not missing a beatBy Arnie StapletonEven with Eric Decker down, Peyton Manning didn’t miss a beat. Decker has been the star of the Broncos’ training camp so far, but when he went out with a strained groin, Demaryius Thomas stepped up to solidify his standing in Manning’s eyes and with Denver’s refurbished offense. Thomas made several big catches Thursday, even turning a rare wobbly pass from Manning into a 35-yard TD when he outleapt Drayton Florence and Raheem Moore at the goal line.

Cubs turn up the (pitching) volume By Bruce MilesWhile it's too early to declare "mission accomplished," the Cubs began replenishing their pitching at the minor-league levels, both through recent trades, international signings and the June amateur draft. For the results, we won't know for years.

De Aza just the spark White Sox’ offense needed
By Scot GregorAlejandro De Aza has overcome a strong of injuries to make it to the major leagues, and he's making the most of his opportunity with the White Sox this season. In a rare interview, the 28-year-old center fielder talked to beat writer Scot Gregor about his frustrating past and ultimate rise.

Williams puts on clinic to lead Western Amateur
By Len ZiehmChris Williams set the Western Amateur scoring record for 72 holes when he went 16-under-par last year at North Shore Country Club in Glenview.This year, with the 110-year-old tourney moving to Exmoor in Highland Park, he did even better.The University of Washington senior buzzed around Exmoor in 66-67 in Thursday's 36-hole session to finish stroke play at 17-under-par 271. That earned him medalist honors by 2 strokes over his playing partner, 18-year old Laurens Chan from Honolulu, Hawaii. Chan will be a freshman at UCLA this fall,

Surging Reds down Padres 9-4
Associated PressTodd Frazier hit a two-run homer in a six-run second inning and Johnny Cueto overcame a pair of rare long balls to pitch into the eighth inning Thursday, leading the surging Reds to their 13th win in 14 games, 9-4 over the Padres.

Cedeno leads Mets past Giants 9-1
Associated PressRonny Cedeno drove in five runs to match his career high, Jason Bay had only his second multi-RBI game this year and the New York Mets beat San Francisco 9-1 Thursday to take three of four from the Giants and win their first series in a month.

McClellin starting to come on strong
By Bob LeGereBOURBONNAIS — First-round defensive end Shea McClellin had his best practice yet, intercepting a pass and showing better pass-rush presence than he had in earlier practices.On the pick, McClellin diagnosed a screen pass by backup quarterback Jason Campbell and simply reacted.“I just saw the quarterback dropping back, so I was going for an inside rush,” the Boise State product said. “But I saw him dropping back further, so I kind of stopped and just waited for him to throw it and luckily it was right in my hands.”Coach Lovie Smith took note of the play but wasn’t surprised, although he was pleased to see McClellin flash the skills that led the Bears to select him 19th overall and to answer some of the critics who had panned his first week of camp.“It was impressive,” coach Lovie Smith said, “but he’s capable of making plays like that. When you’re a first-round draft pick coming in, there’s a lot of pressure on you to be all-pro right away.“It takes time. He has great quickness and speed. He works hard; good athletic ability. Nothing should stop him from being a real good football player.”McClellin wasn’t overly impressed with his day.“Toward the end, I felt like I did a little better than normal,” he said, “but early on I felt like I had cement legs. I’ve got to work past that, but overall I think it was all right.”Changing of the guard:Stephen Paea took most of the first-team reps at nose tackle in Thursday’s practice, relegating incumbent starter Matt Toeaina to a backup role. “He’s been working with the ones for a reason,” said coach Lovie Smith of the 6-foot-1, 300-pound Paea. “He’s done some good things: rushing the passer, (and) he can play the nose. He (also) has under tackle ability at the 3 technique.”Last season as a rookie, Paea backed up Toeaina at nose and Henry Melton at the 3 technique, a position that requires more quickness and pass-rush ability than nose tackle, which is traditionally more of a run-stuffing role.But defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli wants more penetration out of the nose tackle this season, which would seem to favor Paea.He has a good initial burst to go with the strength that helped him set the scouting combine record with 49 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press in 2011 before the Bears made him their second-round pick (53rd overall). “He can do a lot of things,” Smith said. “In his second year, a high draft pick, he should be ready to make a move.” Coming into focus:J’Marcus Webb lined up at left tackle with the first-team O-line for the third straight day, in the ongoing “competition” with Chris Williams, who split first-team right tackle reps with Gabe Carimi for the second straight day.“We like what he’s doing,” coach Lovie Smith said of Webb. “For him and all of our tackles to (pass block) against Julius Peppers and guys like that each day, you have to be ready to play. It has to get you better.”Smith still refused to anoint Webb or commit to a starting line.“We would like to have our team established right now and be ready for the Colts (in the season opener), but we’re not,” he said. “There’s a process we go through. We’re right on schedule.” Here and gone:Devin Hester was excused from Thursday’s practice, but no further information was provided.Brian Urlacher, whose sore knee prevented him from practicing Wednesday, was limited Thursday. He did not participate in any full-speed 11-on-11 work.Wide receiver Eric Weems (ankle) and linebacker Adrien Cole also did not practice.

Bears young WR trying to make the cut
By Bob LeGereBOURBONNAIS — It’s hard to make a name for yourself when nobody knows your name.But such is the life of an undrafted rookie in his first NFL training camp, even when he’s making the kind of plays that get noticed.West Texas A&M wide receiver Brittan Golden’s game jumped out at position coach Darryl Drake from the start of training camp, when he was singled out as a guy who had made an impression.The only problem was, Drake referred to the 5-foot-11, 186-pounder as “Golden Brittan.”The important thing is, Drake noticed No. 82 was setting himself apart from a group of young wide receivers, most of whom will be disappointed by the time final cuts are made.“That’s the first time I’ve heard about it,” Golden said of Drake’s praise. “It always makes you feel good, but you can’t let your head get too big, especially with the position I’m in. You have to come out every day and strive to get better.”Golden, who finished his college career with 3,007 receiving yards, second in school history, has been doing that.Almost every day he makes observers take notice with big plays and by catching everything within range.That trend continued during Thursday’s practice, when he stretched out to make a reception just in bounds along the sideline. A couple of plays later, Golden made a leaping catch in front of rookie cornerback Greg McCoy, the Bears’ seventh-round draft choice from Texas Christian.“I think I’ve had a pretty decent camp, but it can always get better,” Golden said. “Every day you have to get better because there’s always somebody who’s better than you or is getting better, (even) if you’re not.”It will take an outstanding performance to make the 53-man roster or even the eight-man practice squad from Golden or any of the undrafted, young wideouts.It’s unlikely the Bears will keep more than six on the roster, and it could possibly be five. Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and second-round draft pick Alshon Jeffery are locks.Unrestricted free-agent pickups Eric Weems and Devin Thomas both have special-teams value.That leaves last year’s undrafted success story Dane Sanzenbacher, Golden, and undrafted rookies Joe Anderson, Terriun Crump and Chris Summers fighting for survival.“It’s definitely going to be an uphill battle for any undrafted guy, especially when you’re competing against Marshall and Thomas and Weems and Hester and Bennett,” Golden said.“It’s always a longshot, but I don’t want to think about it in (those) terms. I want to think about it in terms of what I need to do get where I need to be.”Step One was overcoming the intimidation/awe factor of being in the presence of players like Marshall and Hester.“I’ve come from watching these guys on TV and loving their top-10 plays to standing next to them on the field and sitting next to them in meetings,” Golden said.“When you first get here, it’s a tough thing. I wake up every morning and think, ‘I’m really here. These guys went from my television to right next to me.’ But you have to put that aside and know that your job is not to goggle-eye everybody, but to work to get to where they are.” Golden’s impressive, early performances on the field have give him a greater sense of belonging, even though he’s playing with and against second- and third-teamers. “You have to have that mindset that you belong here,” he said. “Everybody here is a great athlete. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be here. “I just have to keep a steady head and my eyes on the prize.”rlegere@dailyherald.com

Men beat Nigeria 156-73 in Olympic basketball Associated PressThe U.S. team had scored 100 points by the middle of the third quarter. It was that kind of night for the Americans. They broke a few records, shattered others. They hardly missed. Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points, making 10 of 12 3-pointers, and the Americans rewrote the Olympic record book with a scintillating shooting performance and 156-73 win Thursday night, an epic blowout that seemed to send a message to the rest of the men's tournament field.

Phelps wins 200 IM for 20th career Olympic medalAssociated PressMichael Phelps won the 200-meter individual medley Thursday for his first individual gold of the London Games, becoming the first man to win the same indvidual event in three straight Olympics.

Phelps back on top, beats Lochte in 200 IMAssociated PressMichael Phelps added to his medal collection with his first individual gold medal of the London Games, and handed Ryan Lochte a double disappointment on his rival's final night in the pool. Phelps set the tone right from the start Thursday to become the first male swimmer to win the same individual event at three straight Olympics, capturing the 200-meter individual medley for his 20th career medal. Lochte settled for silver and Hungary's Laszlo Cseh took the bronze.

NBC: Tape delay isn't affecting number of viewersAssociated PressWhile it's been popular for many to complain about finding out the results of Olympic events before NBC airs them on tape delay, it's not cutting into the numbers of people watching them in prime time. In fact, people who know the results are watching longer, NBC says. Two-thirds of people questioned in a survey Sunday said they watch the prime-time Olympics telecast even if they know the results ahead of time, Alan Wurtzel, NBC's chief researcher, said.

'Gabby' wins all-around gymnastics gold for U.S.Associated PressMight be time to get Gabby Douglas a new nickname. Olympic champ might work. Known as "The Flying Squirrel," Douglas won the women's all-around title Thursday, becoming the third straight American to win gymnastics' biggest prize. "I wanted to seize the moment," Douglas said. "It hasn't sunk in yet. Team finals hasn't sunk in yet. But it will."

Anthonhy Fera transferring to Texas, source says
Associated PressKicker-punter Anthony Fera is bolting Penn State for Texas, the second starter to depart Happy Valley this week following harsh NCAA sanctions against the program for the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. Fera has submitted paperwork to enroll at Texas this season, said a person with knowledge of the decision who requested anonymity because Texas has not yet announced the move.

Mike North video: How well will the Bears do this season?
By Mike NorthHow well will the new Bears regime, led by new general manger Phil Emery, do this year? Will new offensive coordinator Mike Tice help to ensure Jay Cutler's success? Mike North addresses all of this and more in today's video.

Howard uses NASCAR experience to fuel F1 movie
By Chris JenkinsRon Howard got to drive the pace car that led the field to the green flag of last Sunday's Brickyard 400. The award-winning director is working on a racing-themed movie — "Rush," the story of the 1970s rivalry between Formula One stars James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

Business

Tellabs ensures Tweets, calls go through during Olympics
By Anna Marie KukecWhenever gold-medal swimmer Michael Phelps sent a tweet or track-and-field star Usain Bolt called his family in Jamaica during the Summer Olympics in London, their voice or data was sent over equipment from Naperville-based Tellabs Inc. Greg Gerard, Tellabs senior manager of technical support based in London, has blogged on the experience of stepping up Tellabs assistance to ensure all those phone calls, texts and other data run smoothly over their equipment for the local wireless providers.

DirecTV loses subscribers for first time in 2Q
Associated PressDirecTV, the country's largest provider of satellite TV services, is losing subscribers for the first time, as the company tightened credit policies and consumer appetite for pay-TV services appears to have plateaued.

Cost of glitch for Knight Capital: $440 million
Associated PressIt's turning out to be one costly glitch. A technical problem that briefly threw dozens of stocks into chaos Wednesday will cost Knight Capital Group $440 million, the trading firm said Thursday.

The Wellington in Arlington Heights closes after 29 years
By Melissa SilverbergThe Wellington, one of Arlington Heights' most popular and iconic restaurants, has closed after 29 years. Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, confirmed Thursday morning that the large restaurant and banquet center at 2121 S. Arlington Heights Road closed Wednesday. "We heard they have been struggling for a while, but I don't know many more details," Ridler said.

U.S. factory orders fell 0.5 percent in June
Associated PressCompanies placed fewer orders with U.S. factories in June from May, signaling further weakness with manufacturing. The Commerce Department said Thursday that factory orders fell 0.5 percent in June, the third decline in four months. Manufacturing, a key source of growth in the U.S. since the recession ended in June 2009, has weakened in recent months along with the broader economy.

ECB’s Draghi: Bank may intervene on bonds
Associated PressEuropean Central Bank President Mario Draghi said Thursday the bank would make a new effort to buy government bonds to drive down the high borrowing rates squeezing the continent's indebted governments. And he urged leaders of the 17 countries that use the euro to use their bailout fund to do the same.

A look at ECB steps to combat Europe’s debt crisis
Associated PressFRANKFURT, Germany — Here are some of the key steps the European Central Bank has taken to try to ease Europe’s financial crisis and provide a spark to the weak economy.DECLARATION OF SUPPORT: ECB head Mario Draghi on July 26 said the ECB would do “whatever it takes” to save the euro and added that “believe me, it will be enough.” He didn’t say what he might do, but the remarks were taken as an indication the bank might intervene in bond markets to lower bond interest yields. Since then, borrowing costs for Spain and Italy have fallen sharply. It’s not clear how long that relief will last.CHEAP LOANS TO BANKS: The ECB made an unlimited amount of cheap, three-year loans available to banks on two occasions since late last year. In December, 523 banks borrowed (euro) 489 billion ($608.17 billion) and in February 800 banks borrowed (euro) 530 billion. The more than (euro) 1 trillion action helped to relieve stress on banks, especially those that were having difficulty borrowing from other banks.The long duration of the loans gave banks security that they would have the money they needed until 2015. The ECB also started accepting more types of securities as collateral, which made it easier for banks to borrow.The loans also provided indirect relief to heavily indebted countries that were facing high borrowing costs in bond markets. Some banks took the cheap money and started buying higher-yielding government bonds with it. That raised bond prices and lowered bond interest rates, which equates to lower borrowing costs for struggling countries, such as Spain and Italy.LOWER INTEREST RATES: The ECB has cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point three times since November, the latest move coming July 5. The so-called main refinancing rate is now at a record low of 0.75 percent. This rate is what it charges eurozone banks for loans. It’s a benchmark that influences interest rates on the loans banks provide to each other, businesses and consumers. The ECB also cut the rate it pays banks for depositing their money with the ECB overnight, to zero. That increases the incentive for banks to lend money to each other or to businesses rather than park it with the ECB. RESERVE CUT: In December, the ECB cut the amount that banks must keep on reserve with it, from 2 percent of their assets to 1 percent. That freed some (euro) 100 billion for the banks to use elsewhere. BOND PURCHASES: Beginning in May 2010, the bank intermittently bought over (euro) 210 billion in government bonds of financially weak countries like Spain and Italy on the secondary market — meaning from other investors. The goal was to lower the bond yields, which makes it cheaper for governments to borrow.The program temporarily held yields down, helping calm the debt crisis for a while. But the program had only limited impact. The ECB was unwilling to buy bonds on a larger scale, a step some said would violate the bank’s prohibition on financing governments. The program has been shelved recently and it’s not clear when or whether the ECB might use it again.The ECB is prohibited from buying bonds directly from governments, that is, from loaning them money.

Key quotes from ECB head Draghi’s press briefing
Associated PressFRANKFURT, Germany — European Central Bank President Mario Draghi held a news conference Thursday at which he indicated the bank stood ready to intervene in the bond markets along with the eurozone bailout fund to help drive down high borrowing costs in some countries.Here are some highlights of the things he said: — SAVING THE EURO. A week earlier, Draghi had said the euro was irreversible and that the ECB would do whatever it takes to save it. Journalists pressed him on what that meant: “It is pointless to bet against the euro. It is pointless to go short on the euro. That’s the message. It’s pointless because the euro will stay.”— NO NEW MEASURES ... YET. Expectations had been that the ECB would announce on Thursday concrete new measures to ease the debt crisis, such as buying government bonds. Markets were disappointed that Draghi only said the bank was considering intervening in markets: “We’re not rowing back.”— ECB POWERS. Draghi said the ECB has the right to intervene in bond markets to bring down governments’ high borrowing rates: “It is within our mandate to do whatever is within our power to preserve the euro as a stable currency.”— ECB INDEPENDENCE. Draghi said the ECB would not ask European governments for permission to use new measures to fight the debt crisis: “We are independent and we don’t foresee presentations to the heads of state of our monetary policy measures.” — GOVERNMENT ACTION. He noted that governments need to reform their economies to regain market trust and that actions by the ECB alone would not be enough to end the debt crisis: “Monetary policy will not be enough to achieve these objectives unless there is action by governments.”

Questions and answers on the European Central Bank
Associated PressFRANKFURT, Germany — The European Central Bank is the monetary authority for the 17 countries that use the euro currency. The eurozone has the world’s second largest economy after the United States, with annual output of (euro) 9.41 trillion, or $11.75 trillion, and a population of 331 million.Here are some questions and answers about the ECB.Q: What are the origins of the ECB?A: The ECB was established by the Treaty on European Union signed on Feb. 7, 1992. The treaty laid the groundwork for the shared euro currency. The ECB’s precursor, the European Monetary Institute, started work in 1994 to prepare for the euro. It became the European Central Bank on June 1, 1998, six months ahead of the launch of the currency on Jan. 1, 1999.Q: What is the ECB’s job?A: The ECB issues the euro currency. Only it can authorize printing and circulation of euro bank notes.Its primary economic policy job is keeping inflation under control. The bank aims to keep the inflation rate less than, but close to, 2 percent. The ECB also provides credit to the 7,500 licensed banks and money market funds in the eurozone, should they need it. Banks must put up collateral such as government bonds to get that money. Q: How does the ECB keep prices stable? A: The ECB’s main tool in fighting excessive inflation is interest rates.It can raise or lower its benchmark rate, called the refinancing rate, which is what banks pay to borrow from the ECB. That in turn influences the rate at which banks lend to companies and consumers. Lower rates make it cheaper for people and companies to take out a loan to buy a house or expand a business. That can fuel inflation by increasing demand for goods and services. The ECB can step on the growth gas pedal by lowering rates, and it can hit the brakes on inflation by raising rates. Q: What about other important issues, like creating jobs? A: The ECB is supposed to pursue economic growth and job creation, as well. But only if that doesn’t get in the way of its mission to control inflation. That means the ECB has less flexibility than other central banks, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, which treats inflation control and job creation as equally important missions. Q: Who runs the ECB?A: The ECB is run by a 23-member governing council and a six-member executive board, both chaired by President Mario Draghi. The executive board runs the bank’s operations day-to-day. The governing council is made up of the six executive board members and the 17 heads of the of the eurozone’s national central banks.Q: Why does Europe still have national central banks?A: They execute the monetary policy operations decided by the ECB, such as lending to banks With ECB permission, they can also make emergency loans at their own risk to their banks. Q: How does the council make decisions? A: Meetings are chaired by Draghi. Council members vote and usually seek to make decisions unanimously or by broad consensus. The bank issues its interest rate decision at 1:45 p.m. Central European Time (7:45 EDT, 12:45 GMT) via electronic link to information services used by financial professionals. It holds a simultaneous conference call where the news is given verbally. The information is then reported by the news media. The president and the vice-president then appear at a news conference at 2:30 p.m. CET (8:30 EDT, 13:30 GMT). The president reads a statement and takes questions from journalists.

OfficeMax swings to $10.7M 2nd-qtr profit
Associated PressNaperville-based OfficeMax Inc. said Thursday it posted a $10.7 million second-quarter net income, reversing a loss a year ago that stemmed from hefty restructuring charges.The company also announced plans to reinstate its quarterly common stock dividend, which it suspended more than three years ago.

U.S. rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.55 percent
Associated PressThe average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week after falling to new record lows in each of the past 13 weeks. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the rate on the 30-year loan jumped to 3.55 percent. That's up from 3.49 percent last week, which was the lowest since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s.

U.S. unemployment aid applications rise to 365,000
Associated PressThe number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits rose last week, though the data was likely skewed higher by seasonal factors. Weekly applications increased by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 365,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, fell for the sixth straight week to 365,500, the lowest since March 31.

Senate may go on recess without passing cyber bill
Associated PressThe Senate could leave town this week for a monthlong break without passing legislation to protect the U.S. electrical grid, water supplies and other critical industries from cyberattack and electronic espionage.

Navistar tumbles after receiving letter from SEC
Bloomberg NewsLisle-based Navistar International Corp., the maker of International brand trucks, fell in early trading after it disclosed a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission inquiry and withdrew its full-year earnings forecast. Navistar fell 6.1 percent to $23.25 a share at 8:42 a.m. New York time before the start of regular trading. The company's stock has declined 35 percent this year through yesterday.

Markets in wait-and-see mode Associated PressFinancial markets were in a tentative mood Thursday as investors waited to hear what the European Central Bank plans to do to get on top of the continent's crippling debt crisis. Hopes that the ECB will back new measures were stoked a week ago when ECB chief Mario Draghi vowed to do what it takes to keep save the euro. Many expect the bank at the very least to resume its bond-buying program to keep a lid on Spain's and Italy's borrowing costs.

Russia's Gazprom Neft inks deals with Iraqi KurdsAssociated PressA Middle East subsidiary of Russia's Gazprom Neft has inked two oil deals with Iraq's self-ruled northern Kurdish region, becoming the fourth major oil company to enter into agreements with Iraqi Kurds that bypass the central government in Baghdad.

Bank of England holds off new economic stimulus
Associated PressThe Bank of England has held its key lending rate at the all-time low of 0.5 percent for the 42nd month and announced no new investment in its economic stimulus program.Thursday's announcement by the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee was widely expected.

Immigrants prove big business for prison companies
Associated PressThe U.S. is locking up more illegal immigrants than ever, generating lucrative profits for the nation's largest prison companies, and an Associated Press review shows the businesses have spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying lawmakers and contributing to campaigns.The cost to American taxpayers is on track to top $2 billion for this year, and the companies are expecting their biggest cut of that yet in the next few years thanks to government plans for new facilities to house the 400,000 immigrants detained annually.

In Senegalese shoe capital, Chinese not welcome
Associated PressIt has taken generations for cobblers in this village to perfect the pointy-toed slippers once favored by local kings, and now considered an indispensable fashion accessory of well-dressed Senegalese men. It only took months for the Chinese to copy and mass produce the local design, making them out of plastic instead of leather and selling them for a quarter of the price.

Gov’t report: Tax cheats getting paid by Medicaid
Associated PressThousands of Medicaid health care service providers still got paid by the government even though they owed hundreds of millions of dollars in federal taxes, congressional investigators say. A legal technicality is making it harder for the IRS to collect. In a report being released Thursday, the Government Accountability Office says Medicaid payments to doctors, hospitals and other providers aren't technically considered federal funds, since they're funneled through state health care programs.

Sony’s loss grows, cuts earnings forecast
Associated PressSony's red ink worsened in the April-June quarter and it lowered its full-year earnings forecast as it battles a strong yen and declining sales of liquid crystal display TVs and video game machines.The Japanese electronics and entertainment company Thursday reported a quarterly loss of 24.6 billion yen ($316 million) compared with a 15.5 billion yen loss a year earlier.

Life & Entertainment

Master Gardeners tend 4 plots to donate produce to food pantry By Eileen O. DadayDuPage County Extension Master Gardeners have taken their mission to help people "learn to grow" one step further. Beyond answering gardening questions and helping with plant problems, they are encouraging fellow gardeners to grow extra vegetables for families who use the local food pantry.

Third ‘Wimpy’ less wimpy than last By Michael RechtshaffenMaybe it has to do with the lowered expectations surrounding something with "Dog Days" in its title being released during a traditionally less stellar time in the movie-going season, but the third installment in the "Wimpy Kid" franchise turns out to be not so wimpy after all.

The Who adds second Rosemont show Daily Herald reportThe Who has added a second Rosemont show to their "Quadrophenia" fall tour, it was announced Thursday. The band will play Friday, Nov. 30, at the Allstate Arena on top of an already announced Nov. 29 show.

La Toya Jackson to get a reality show on OWN
Associated PressOprah Winfrey has tapped La Toya Jackson to star in her own reality show. "Life With La Toya" is described as a "candid look" inside Jackson's life as she juggles family, friends and business. It will air next year on Winfrey's TV network, OWN.

Marilyn Monroe’s FBI files missing Associated PressIn connection with the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death on Sunday, The Associated Press attempted to obtain the most complete record of the bureau's monitoring of Monroe. Nearly nine months later, obtaining a more complete record of how the FBI investigated Monroe in the months before she died have been stymied by an effort to simply find the files. They appear to be missing.

Sincerity, affection underscore Eclipse’s ‘Wilderness’ revival By Barbara VitelloIf chilling domestic dramas like "Desire Under the Elms" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night" make you reluctant to dip your toes into the Eugene O'Neill oeuvre, Eclipse Theatre's disarming revival of 1933's "Ah, Wilderness!" might change your mind. A heartwarming celebration of family unity, one could describe this sentimental tale of a young man's coming-of-age as "O'Neill lite."

Snoop hopes to catch ‘American Idol’ scent
Associated PressNEW YORK — If Randy Jackson yells “Yo Dawg!” during the next season of “American Idol,” he could be talking to Snoop Dogg, if the rapper has his way.After hearing of the millions of dollars “Idol” judges earn on the Fox competition, Snoop, in an interview this week, said: “I’ll do ‘American Idol.”’“Idol” returns in January. Mariah Carey is filling one of the two seats made available following Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler’s exits last month. When told Carey is earning about $18 million a year for a one-year contract with a renewal option, Snoop looked to his manager and jokingly yelled: “Get on it!”Neil Schubert, spokesman for “American Idol” producer FremantleMedia North America, declined to comment on any speculation about potential new judges. Taping on episodes that include the judges doesn’t start until fall, so the show has time to continue its search. The show is conducting its mass auditions now that are done without the judges.Snoop, 40, announced earlier this week that he’s using the name Snoop Lion for an upcoming reggae album. He now considers himself a Rastafarian after what he calls a life-changing trip to Jamaica, and is also releasing a documentary about his rebirth. Both the album and film are called “Reincarnated.”Given “American Idol’s” family-friendly focus, Snoop — known for his colorful language and gangsta raps — said he would be mindful of his tone. But the ardent marijuana supporter seemed to have a limit regarding his beloved (and illegal) herb: “I’ll clean my act up, but I’m still Rastafari.”

Plan seeks co-guardian for Michael Jackson’s kids
Associated PressIn the wake of a family dispute that spilled into the media, the living arrangements and guardianship of Michael Jackson's three children are expected to be determined by an upcoming court hearing. A lawyer representing Katherine Jackson, the pop superstar's 82-year-old mother, said he will file legal documents that would make the children's cousin TJ Jackson a co-guardian.

Bartender not pursuing charges against Gooding Jr.
Associated PressA bartender who claimed that Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. pushed her doesn't plan to pursue criminal charges against him, managers at a New Orleans bar said Wednesday. On Tuesday, police issued an arrest warrant on a misdemeanor charge of municipal battery for the 44-year-old Gooding.

Larry David to write, star in movie for HBO
Associated PressLarry David is coming back to HBO — but not in a new season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The cable channel told the Television Critics Association on Wednesday that the 65-year-old will write, executively produce and star in an HBO film directed by Greg Mottola. The network didn't announce a title.

'Never Sorry' paints nuanced portrait of dissident artistBy Dann GireDann reviews the new Chinese dissident documentary "Ai Wei-Wei: Never Sorry" and interviews radio journalist and filmmaker Alison Klayman. He also explains to a concerned reader that even though Americans do love to buy guns and kill people, it's a mistake to make the quantum leap that three movie trailers with fake gun violence explain why Americans buy the guns and kill people with them.

Guilty-pleasure ‘Versailles’ takes somber turn By Christy LemireThe documentary "The Queen of Versailles" begins life as a juicy guilty pleasure, allowing us to gawk and cluck at the nouveau-riche ostentation of an elderly time-share mogul and his much-younger wife as they build their dream home: a 90,000-square-foot palace. Then the economy collapses. And suddenly, in some ways, David and Jackie Siegel are just like us.

'Babymakers' delivers so-so gags, no heart By Jake CoyleGlib, selfish people set out to become parents -- and encounter an incredulously plotted series of embarrassments -- in "The Babymakers." It's a film where emotion and character are sacrificed for jokes, set pieces are preferred over narrative and the whole process lacks heart.

McConaughey, ‘Killer Joe’ embrace pulpy noir By Christy LemireMatthew McConaughey's recent evolution as a serious actor reaches a thunderous crescendo in "Killer Joe," in which he plays the title character: a meticulously smooth Dallas police detective with a side business as a hit man. He's calm and controlling, soft-spoken and impeccably dressed. And he's extremely dangerous.

Action fast and furious in 'Total Recall' remake By Michael WilmingtonMovies, it seems, just keep getting more expensive and more violent. And that definitely goes for "Total Recall," a remake of the 1990 sci-fi slam-banger in which Colin Farrell follows in the heavy footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and director Len Wiseman tries to pack in as much (or more) futuristic excitement and fantastic mayhem as director Paul Verhoeven managed in the original.

Theater events: Morton hosts 'Wind in the Willows' By Barbara VitelloTheatre-Hikes presents John Morely's adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic children's novel "The Wind in the Willows" at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Morton Arboretum. Matthew Powell directs the play with music that centers around the woodland adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger.

The worthwhile risk of taking a discomforting call
By Jim SlusherColumnist Jim Slusher: You never know in this job who you're going to be talking to when you pick up the telephone. It may be a cantankerous name caller, angry because you won't publish his nasty, spiteful, ill-mannered personal attacks. Or it may be a politely assertive reader who holds an uncomfortable mirror up to your prejudices and makes you a better, more incisive editor.

President insulted hard workers
A Hawthorn Woods letter to the editor: President Obama, ever the class warrior, receiver of untold free opportunities, position and wealth that he did not earn, insinuates that business owners and high income earners are the beneficiaries of someone else's hard work with a dash of benevolent government.

Speaker should step aside
A Lake Villa letter to the editor: Iisn't it logical to conclude Mike Madigan's actions have contributed largely in shaping the current state of Illinois? Of course it's true.

Let them cancel; editorial was right on
An Arlington Heights lletter to the editor: Being anti-gay is the last acceptable prejudice in this country; I am tired of "Christians" rationalizing their bigotry with references to God.

Rights threatened everywhere we turn
A Palatine letter to the editor: Even though the Constitution has been under attack for some time, what is now happening is a full-throttle assault.

Let people carry guns; punish lawbreakers
An Elgin letter to the editor: Concluding that guns in good hands is still bad because of their potential for harm is a very flawed thought process and dangerous to our personal liberty. In our republic we do not ban cars because of drunk drivers or fire because it may burn. Our republic punishes the drunk and incarcerates the arsonist, or at least that is the way it should be.

Are raises needed in Rutland Township?
A Rutland Township letter to the editor: The last two months the road commissioner and assessor in Rutland Township have requested large increases as well as benefits, including pension and insurance for themselves and their employees. They have indicated that they are grossly underpaid, even though they knew the remuneration before they ran for the "part-time" office.